Current Affairs Today

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs January 29 2026, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2026 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

Our Current Affairs January 2026 events will help you to get more marks in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, CLAT and all State Government Exams. Also, try our Latest Current Affairs Quiz and Monthly Current Affairs 2026 PDF which will be a pedestrian to crack your exams.

Dear Aspirants,
With effect from 26 January 2026, the Exam Hint and In-Depth Content of articles (news) will be available exclusively in our Daily PDF (DailyScoop PDF).
To access the DailyScoop PDF, please subscribe to the Crack Current Course on the CareersCloud app or website.

Read Current Affairs in CareersCloud APP, Course Name – Learn Current Affairs – Free Course –Click Here to Download the APP

We are Hiring – Subject Matter Expert – English | CA Video Creator | Content Developers(Pondicherry)

Click here for Current Affairs 28 January 2026

Click here for Affairscloud Hindu Free Vocabs telegram channel

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Department of Fisheries Approves Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour in Andaman & Nicobar IslandsIn January 2026, the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), approved the Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Administration’s proposal to develop a Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbour at Mayabunder, A&N Island, with a total outlay of Rs.199.24 crore and 100% Central Financial Assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
About Mayabunder Smart Fishing Harbour:
Vision: Developed under the Blue Port Initiative, the project integrates smart technology and sustainable fisheries management.
Capacity: Leveraging the A&N Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 6 lakh square kilometer (sq. km), with an estimated 60,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) of tuna and tuna-like species, supported by harbour capacity for 430 fishing vessels and an annual fish landing capacity of 9,900 tonnes.
SmartBlue: Leveraging Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled systems, digital traceability, and modern, energy-efficient infrastructure to enhance efficiency, safety, transparency, and sustainability while combating Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Growth: India’s fisheries sector has seen production rise from 96 lakh tonnes (2013–14) to 197.75 lakh tonnes (2024–25).
Investment: Public investment exceeding Rs.39,000 crore and PMMSY support of Rs.5,573.02 lakh underpin sectoral expansion in the islands.
Exports: Seafood exports worth Rs.62,408 crore to nearly 130 countries position the project toward the Rs.1 lakh crore export target by 2030–31.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD):
Union Minister– Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh (Constituency- Munger, Bihar)
Ministers of State (MoS)– Professor. S.P. Singh Baghel (Constituency- Agra, Uttar Pradesh, UP); George Kurian (Rajya Sabha – Madhya Pradesh, MP)

NITI Aayog Releases 3 Reports on ‘Enhancing Circular Economy in ELVs, Waste Tyres and E-Waste and LIBs in India’ in Jaipur, RajasthanIn January 2026, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog , a premier policy think tank of the Government of India(GoI), released 3 reports on “Enhancing Circular Economy in End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs); Waste Tyres and E-waste; and Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs) in India”.

• These reports were formally launched at the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC) organised by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Key Findings of Reports on ELVs:
Key Projection: The NITI Aayog’s report titled ‘Enhancing Circular Economy of End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) in India’  projected that the number of ELVs in India are expected to nearly double i.e. from 23 million (in 2025) to about 50 million (by 2030).
Pollution Load: The report cautioned about older Bharat Stage (BS-I) vehicles that emit up to 8 times more pollutants compared to BS-VI standard vehicles.
Key Findings on Waste Tyres:
Overview: The 2nd report titled ‘Enhancing Circular Economy of Waste Tyres in India’ outlines the key challenges and opportunities in managing End-of-Life Tyres (ELTs) aimed at accelerating India’s circular economy goals.
Annual Waste Tyre : India, the world’s 3rd largest producer and consumer of tyres, generates nearly 1.5 to 2 Million Tonnes (MT) of waste tyres every year.
Key Findings on E-Waste and LIBs:
Developed by: The report titled ‘Advancing Circular Economy of Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (E-waste) and Lithium-ion Batteries in India’ was developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
Surge in E-waste: As per the report, India’s electronic waste (E-waste) is projected to increase from 6.19 MMT to 14 MMT by 2030.

• India’s annual economic value of E-waste will be Rs 51,000 crore, of which 60% is extractable, in contrast to it, the existing recovery systems capture only 18% of this potential.

PFRDA Constitutes SAARG Committee Headed by Narayan Ramachandran for NPS ReviewIn January 2026, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) constituted a high-level Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG) Committee, chaired by Narayan Ramachandran, former Country Head and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Morgan Stanley India, to review, recommend, and modernise the investment framework under the National Pension System (NPS).

• The committee will undertake a comprehensive review of existing NPS investment guidelines, benchmarking them with leading global pension systems and the evolving Indian investment ecosystem.

Overview of SAARG Committee:
Composition: The 10-member committee includes eminent experts from capital markets, asset management, and securities law, with an Executive Director (ED) from PFRDA as a member.
Committee Members:
1.Ananth Narayan, Former Whole Time Member, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
2.Devina Mehra, Founder & Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), First Global (PMS & Global Funds) – Portfolio Management Services (PMS)
3.Kalpen Parekh, Managing Directors (MD) and Chief Executive Officers (CEO), DSP Mutual Fund
4.Prashant Jain,Chief Investment Officer (CIO), 3P Investment Managers;
5.Rajeev Thakkar, CIO, PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited(PPFAS AMC)
6.Raamdeo Agrawal, Co-founder, Motilal Oswal; Chairman & Co-founder, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. (MOFSL)
7.Sankaran Naren, CIO, ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Ltd (ICICI Prudential AMC)
8.Sumit Agrawal,Founder, Regstreet Law Advisors
9.Ashok Kumar Soni,Executive Director (ED), PFRDA.
Terms Of Reference (ToR):
Mandate: The committee benchmarks the NPS investment framework against leading global pension systems and the evolving Indian investment ecosystem and submit its recommendations to PFRDA within nine months.
Objectives: SAARG aims to modernize the NPS framework, enhance risk governance, expand subscriber choice, and support long-term retirement wealth creation.
Allocation: Reviews strategic asset allocation, evaluates new asset classes, and optimizes portfolio diversification for long-term growth.
Performance: Benchmarks fund performance, strengthens accountability, and integrates risk management including Asset–Liability Management (ALM) and liquidity measures.
Governance: Enhances governance structures, intermediary architecture, operational efficiency, and subscriber investment choice (lifecycle/target-date funds, active/passive strategies).
Sustainability: Integrates climate-related, Environmental Social Governance (ESG), and net-zero transition risks into investment decisions, including Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
About Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA):
The PFRDA was initially set up by the Government of India(GoI) on 23 August 2003 as an interim body to promote, regulate, and develop the pension sector, and was later established as a statutory authority on 1 February 2014 under the PFRDA Act, 2013.
Chairman – Sivasubramanian Ramann
Headquarters – New Delhi (Delhi)

DoP Partners with SSL for Capital Market Access
On January 27, 2026, the Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications, signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi, to expand regulated capital market services across the country through the India Post (IP)network.

Key Details of Partnership:
Access: Under this partnership, India Post will help citizens participate in organised financial markets by providing access to SSL’s digital investment services.
Capital Market Services: These services include the opening of Dematerialized (Demat) and trading accounts, Mutual Fund (MF) investments, participation in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), and other authorised investment products, facilitated through digital onboarding links, Quick Response (QR) codes, and selected post office outlets.
Financial Literacy: SSL, with DoP support, will conduct investor education and awareness programs, focusing on first-time investors and underserved populations in rural and semi-urban areas.

NITI Aayog Partners with NIIT Foundation to Boost Digital Literacy in Aspirational Blocks
On January 2026, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) with National Institute of Information Technology(NIIT) Foundation to advance digital literacy, financial inclusion and Skill Development across Aspirational Blocks.

• The partnership was formalised in the presence of BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITI Aayog and Rohit Kumar, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), NITI Aayog.

Key Details:
Beneficiaries: The initiative aims to achieve 100 % block coverage, reaching approximately 1.2 lakh beneficiaries, with at least 40 % women participation.
Key Focus: Train individuals in basic and advanced digital skills to access online platforms, government services, and digital tools.

• Promote awareness of banking, insurance, and other financial services to empower underserved communities.
• Provide vocational training, employability skills, and community-based learning programs to enhance income opportunities.

Implementation: The NIIT Foundation will manage the programme, deploying trained mobilisers and trainers and enhancing the skills of local community facilitators.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Adani Defence Signs MoU with Brazil’s Embraer for Aircraft Manufacturing
On January 27, 2026, Adani Defence & Aerospace, the flagship company of Adani Enterprises Limited and Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, Delhi to explore the development of an aircraft manufacturing and aviation services ecosystem in India.

Key Details of MoU:
Objective: The MoU focuses on collaboration in aircraft manufacturing, particularly, Final Assembly Line (FAL) for aircraft in India, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, Training, supply chain development, and lifecycle support.
Significance: The FAL will be the first of three in India where aircraft are fully assembled at a FAL plant and will serve as Embraer’s first aircraft production facility in Asia.
Alignment: The partnership aims to advance India’s Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA) programme, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and promoting regional air connectivity under the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme.

GAIL Partners with K LINE and J M Baxi to Acquire Equity Stake in LNG Ship-Owning Company
On January 28, 2026, GAIL (India) Limited signed a term sheet for equity participation in a ship-owning company established in Singapore, along with J M Baxi Marine Services and Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K LINE).

• The term sheet was signed in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas(MoPNG), at the India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 held in Goa.

Key Details:
Vessel Type: The equity deal concerns a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries(SHI), South Korea(SK).
Delivery Year: The vessel is slated for delivery in 2027 and will operate under a long-term charter agreement with GAIL.
Investment Route: GAIL will invest through its wholly owned subsidiary, GAIL Global International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Limited (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat), subject to regulatory approvals, including Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) clearance.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

President Droupadi Murmu Approves Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025On 26 January 2026, President of India Droupadi Murmu approved the conferment of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2025 on 30 individuals for their courage and selfless life-saving acts across three categories Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak(6), Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak(6), and Jeevan Raksha Padak(18), with 6 of them awarded posthumously.
About Jeevan Raksha Padak Series:
Established: 1961 to honour life-saving acts of courage
Hierarchy of Awards:

• Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak: Exceptional courage under very great danger to the rescuer
• Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak: Courage in situations of great danger
• Jeevan Raksha Padak: Courage in circumstances of grave bodily injury

Award Presentation: The Jeevan Raksha Padak is presented as a medallion and a certificate signed by the Union Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA). The award is typically conferred by the state/Union Territories(UTs) government or the respective ministry/department of the awardee.
Rewards: Includes a medal, certificate, and one-time monetary allowance: Rs.2 lakh for Sarvottam, Rs.1.5 lakh for Uttam, Rs.1 lakh for Jeevan Raksha.
2026 Award Distribution:
Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak was awarded to recipients from Madhya Pradesh (MP), Tamil Nadu (TN), and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) (posthumously and otherwise).
Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak was conferred on recipients from National Capital Territory (NCT) Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Kerala, Mizoram, and the MoD (including posthumous awards).
Jeevan Raksha Padak was awarded to recipients belonging to Andhra Pradesh (AP), J&K, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Punjab, and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

President Murmu Approved Gallantry Awards 2026 for 70 Armed Forces PersonnelIn January 2026, the President of India Droupadi Murmu approved ‘Gallantry awards 2026’ for 70 Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including 06 posthumous honours, in recognition of their exceptional courage and sacrifice on the eve of the 77th Republic Day.

• The awards include 17 peacetime gallantry decorations: one Ashoka Chakra, three Kirti Chakras, and 13 Shaurya Chakras (including one posthumous). Additionally, honours comprise 1 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 44 Sena Medals (Gallantry) (including five posthumous), 6 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), and 2 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry).

Key Winners:
Ashoka Chakra: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (from Indian Air Force, IAF), who scripted history by becoming the 1st Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS), honoured with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award.

• Shukla became the only 2nd Indian (after Rakesh Sharma who flew aboard a Russian Soyuz in 1984) and the 1st to visit ISS as part of the Axiom-4 Mission.

Kirti Chakra: Three Kirti Chakra (India’s 2nd highest-peacetime gallantry award) awardees are: Major Arshdeep Singh from 1 Assam Rifles; Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba from 2 Para (Special Forces) and Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the 4 astronauts who underwent training for India’s 1st human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.
Shaurya Chakra: This year, two women officers of the Indian Navy (IN): Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A were conferred with the Shaurya Chakra, India’s 3rd highest peace-time gallantry award.
Other Key Awards:
Military Decorations: Apart from the e gallantry awards, the President of India also approved 301 military decorations to Armed Forces and other personnel.

• These include 30 Param Vishit Seva Medals (PVSMs); 04 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals (UYSMs); 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSMs); 09 Yudh Seva Medals(YSMs);  two distinguished Bars to the Sena Medal(SM); 43 distinguished Sena Medals (SMs); 08 distinguished Nao Sena Medals; 14 distinguished Vayu Sena Medals; and 135 Vishisht Seva Medals (VSMs).

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft Unveils Second-Generation ‘Maia 200’ In-House AI Chip
In January 2026, Microsoft introduced the second generation of its in-house artificial intelligence processor, ‘Maia 200’, along with a new suite of Artificial intelligence (AI) focused software tools, strengthening its push to build an integrated AI ecosystem.

• This new chip builds on Microsoft’s first Maia chip, which was originally introduced in 2023.

About  Maia 200 AI chip:
Manufacturing Details: The Maia 200 AI chip is manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) using advanced 3-nanometer(nm) process technology and incorporates high-bandwidth memory.
Deployment: It is now operational at a Microsoft data centre in Iowa, marking its first live deployment, with plans underway to expand to additional facilities.
Enhancements: The Maia 200 improves upon its predecessor with higher compute capability, increased memory bandwidth, and better energy efficiency, enabling faster and more cost-effective AI workloads.

OBITUARY

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar Passed AwayOn 28th January 2026, Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister(DyCM) of Maharashtra and chief of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), passed away at the age of 66, in the Learjet 45 aircraft (VT-SSK) crash at Baramati Airport in Pune, Maharashtra.

• He was born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.

About Ajit Pawar:
Profile: Ajit Pawar was a senior Indian politician whose strong presence in western Maharashtra and deep grassroots connections allowed him to play a key role in shaping state politics and forming coalition governments.
Early Work: He began his public career in 1982 when he was elected to the board of a sugar cooperative.

• In 1991, he assumed the role of chairman of the Pune District Cooperative Bank and served in that position for 16 years.

Entry into Politics: He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) to the Lok Sabha from Baramati(Maharashtra) in 1991 before turning his focus to state-level politics.
State Politics: He won the Baramati Assembly seat in 1991 and went on to represent it continuously for over three decades, securing his eighth victory in November 2024.
Party Chief: He became the chief of the NCP faction in February 2024 after the party split, following recognition of his group by the Election Commission (EC).
Deputy CM: He is one of the longest-serving DyPM of Maharashtra.

• He served as Deputy CM six separate times between 2010 and 2026 under different CMs, including Prithviraj Chavan, Uddhav Thackeray, Devendra Fadnavis, and Eknath Shinde.

Key Ministerial Roles: He held several important positions in Maharashtra’s state government.

• 1991–1992: Minister of State(MoS) for Agriculture & Power
• 2010–2014: Minister of Finance, Planning & Energy
• 2019–2026: Minister of Finance & Planning, often handling State Excise.

About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister (CM)- Devendra Fadnavis
Governor– Chandrapuram Ponnusamy(C.P) Radhakrishnan
Capital – Mumbai
Airport– Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport; Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of Clean Energy 2026 – January 26The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Clean Energy is annually observed on 26 January across the globe to promote awareness and inspire action toward a fair, inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of both people and the planet.

• 26 January 2026 marks the celebration of the 3rd International Day of Clean Energy.
• 2026 Theme: “Clean Energy for People and Planet”

Background:
UN Declaration: On 26 January 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the International Day of Clean Energy through resolution A/77/327 to accelerate the global transition to clean and sustainable energy.
First Observance: The International Day of Clean Energy was observed for the first time on 26 January 2024.
IRENA Founding: The day coincides with the establishment of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on 26 January 2009, which supports global renewable energy transitions through data, policy guidance, and international cooperation.

• 26 January 2026 marks the 17th anniversary of IRENA.

About International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA):
Director-General(DG) – Francesco La Camera
Headquarters -Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates(UAE)
Established – 2009

International Customs Day 2026 – January 26International Customs Day (ICD) is observed worldwide every year on January 26 to recognise the crucial role played by customs administrations and officials in ensuring security, facilitating compliant trade, and combating smuggling.

• January 26, 2026, marks 73 years since the first meeting of the Customs Cooperation Council(CCC), now known as the World Customs Organization (WCO), which was held in Brussels, Belgium, in 1953.
• 2026 Theme: “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”.

Background:
Decision: In 1983, the CCC decided to celebrate the International Customs Day (ICD) to mark the 30th anniversary of its establishment, with participation from 17 member countries.
First Observance: The first ICD was celebrated in Brussels(Belgium) on January 26, 1983. 
Evolution of World Customs Organization (WCO):
Establishment: The CCC was set up in 1952 as an intergovernmental organisation. The inaugural session of the CCC was held on January 26, 1953, in Brussels, Belgium, marking the start of its global operations.
Renaming: In 1994, the CCC was renamed the World Customs Organization (WCO) and expanded its membership to 183 countries, collectively handling about 98% of global trade.
Current Membership: At present, the WCO works with 186 member states.

STATE NEWS

Assam Launches Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme for Tea Garden WorkersIn January 2026, Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme at Doomdooma in Tinsukia district, Assam, to honour the contribution of tea garden workers on the completion of 200 years of Assam’s tea industry.

• Under the scheme, the Government of Assam will provide one-time financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to more than six lakh tea garden workers, including permanent and casual workers, across the state.

About Assam’s Mukhya Mantrir Eti Koli Duti Paat Scheme:
Coverage: Over 6 lakh permanent and casual tea garden workers across 836 tea gardens in 27 districts and 73 Assembly constituencies are included.
Support: The Government of Assam provides comprehensive financial welfare through a one-time direct benefit transfer exceeding Rs.300 crore, Rs.15,000 nutritional wage compensation for pregnant tea workers, and an additional Rs.8,000 to Orunodoi beneficiaries in tea garden areas in February 2026.
Facilities: Mobile crèches, toilets, and medical units have been launched to ensure childcare, health, hygiene, and dignity at worksites.
Land: Residential land titles (pattas) will be granted to workers living in labour lines from February 2026.
Education: School and professional opportunities in tea garden areas are being expanded through existing and new schools, increased Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) reservations, job quotas, and self-employment support for tea communities.
Culture: Community infrastructure development and promotion of Jhumoir dance strengthen tea community identity.
About Assam:
Chief Minister (CM)- Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor– Lakshman Prasad Acharya
Capital– Dispur
National Parks (NPs) – Nameri NP, Orang NP

*******

Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)